Terminally ill broadcaster Clive James prompts tributes on Twitter

Broadcaster Clive James, best known for his hit show Clive James On Television, has admitted he is "getting near the end" after several years battling cancer.

The Australian star, 72, was diagnosed with leukaemia, kidney failure and lung disease in 2010.

He told Radio 4's Meeting Myself Coming Back: "I'm getting near the end. I don't want to cast a gloom, an air of doom, over the programme but I'm a man who is approaching his terminus."

In the show, to be broadcast on Saturday, Clive said he has "been really ill for two-and-a-half years" and "almost died four times in that period".

Social networking site Twitter has seen hundreds of tweets devoted to him.

Broadcaster Lauren Laverne‏ said (@laurenlaverne): "I was lucky enough to interview Clive James just after I had my first baby. He gave me the best parenting advice ever..."

Radio Times writer Alison Graham (@TVAlisonGraham) tweeted: "Clive James is desperately ill. I don't want even to consider a world that doesn't have him in it."

Heat magazine's Boyd Hilton (‏@boydhilton) simply stated: "Clive James: Best TV critic ever."

Comedian Sean Hughes (@mr_seanhughes) observed: "Sad news about Clive James. Thank you for making our lives richer and may you continue to do so for awhile yet."

Broadcaster Charlie Brooker (@charltonbrooker) added: "Only just read about Clive James being ill. He made me want to write for print and do TV about TV. Impossibly perceptive & hilarious writer."

Born in Sydney, Clive James came to England in 1961 where he made a successful career for himself in journalism, writing columns, features and books.

Clive James On Television ran for years, with his wry commentary on Japanese game show Endurance a particular standout.

He has praised the NHS for his treatment, saying ­Addenbrooke’s Hospital can "make me burst into tears of ­gratitude."

Let's hope he can battle on for a little longer.

MSN TV editor Coops

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